SB Week in Review, 10/24 to 10/30

Welome to another edition of Week in Review, everyone. Here is your weekly update:

Serious News

The second round of North-South reunions happened this past weekend. Families separated by the Korean War came together at Mount Geumgang in North Korea for a three day period between the 24th and 26th. The first round of reunions for 2015 took place last week.

Teachers’ groups in South Korea have warned of refusal to use the government-issued History textbooks, which is expected to be published in late 2017.

Jonghyun reminded us all of his social justice leanings by joining the growing chorus of dispproval regarding the History textbook, as well as an earlier starting age for schooling.

This latter measure is another initiative from the government, which plans to shift the education system forward so that the next generation overcome all the hurdles to parenthood a year earlier, thus leading to a higher birth rate. Or something like that…

f(x) is back! The now-quartet dropped album 4 Walls on Tuesday, and I’m struggling because I’m still not over the groovy .gif teasers. Former member Sulli also posted a message of support on Instagram. Unfortunately, it seems the timing was forced by media and netizen comments, which criticised her for supporting IU‘s comeback but not her former group’s.

Eastern Sidekick has put out its new album, Total Reflections, on Bandcamp. Be sure to check out the MV for lead single “Digger” as well!

This week saw the premiere of another manhwa-turned-drama about the workplace. Awl stars Ji Hyun-woo (Angry Mom) and Ahn Nae-sang (Kill Me, Heal Me), and feels like a mashup of Cart and Misaeng.

Bubblegumis another new drama beginning its run, starring Jung Ryeo-won and Lee Dong-wook. As per its name, Bubblegum is a breezy rom-com about two best friends.

B.A.P has been going all out hyping fans for new mini-album Matrix. The members have been releasing audio previews on their individual Twitter accounts. Have you heard them all?

Brown Eyed Girls are building up to their new album Basic. Who is looking forward to the return of JeA, Narsha, Miryo and Ga-in?

Dynamic Duo will also be making a long-awaited comeback. Prepare yourselves for more mentions of Sulli — Choiza‘s already rapped about her during an appearance on Yoo Jae-suk‘s show Sugarman.

You can lock up your heart, but you can’t keep it safe from Vixx. The group released the first image teaser for its upcoming November comeback, which hints at a return to the dark concept.

Soloist Joo is another singer returning after a hiatus. Formerly under JYP Entertainment, she has found a new home in Woollim Entertainment. Check out the preview for “Cry & Blow” here.

Look out for an 18-track album from Jay Park this November, titled Worldwide.

Zico dropped the teaser for “Boys and Girls,” featuring Babylon; but we aren’t completely impressed.

Unpretty Rapstar will see appearances from SM idols Chanyeol and Tiffany in an upcoming episode. Cue confused looks.

More f(x) news! Leader Victoria has officially opened her solo studio in China. What’s more, the group will be holding its first solo concert in January.

EXID will be going up against the autumn ballads with a dance-based comeback in November.

Fellow girl group Tahitiwill also be making a return in November. Wow is this month shaping up to be a busy one!

4Minutewill be visiting South America on a fanmeet tour this November, making stops in Peru, Chile and Argentina. Will you be attending?

So Ji-sub (Master’s Sun) and Shin Min-ah (Arang and the Magistrate) will be pairing up in upcoming rom-com drama Oh My Venus. KBS released the first teaser this week.

And finally, YG has announced an extravaganza of a comeback for Winner, replete with four music videos. This comes on the heels of Winner fans announcing a boycott of the group’s latest DVD, due to a lack of comeback from the group. I can’t wait to find out when/if this actually happens!

Other News

Kim Ha-neul will be getting married this coming March. The actress’ relationship with an unnamed businessman became public in September. Congrats to the couple!

One-time U-Kiss maknae Dong-ho is also getting married. The former idol, also known as DJ Justin, will be tying the knot in November at the tender age of 21. Considering Dong-ho’s age, this news came as a shock to many, including fellow U-Kiss alumnus Xander. Dong-ho appears to be downplaying rumours of a shotgun wedding; but whatever the driver, we still wish Dong-ho all the best in his married life!